Today Is ...

from husband Bill, April 9, 2026

I would like to take this opportunity to honor my great-uncles Rocky and Phil, both of which were prisoners of war in World War II. They both were captured by the Nazis.

from husband Bill, April 9, 2026

When I was a reporter, writer, editor, photographer, and page designer for the Newburgh Evening News in Newburgh, New York, in 1989 into 1990, I would sometimes play chess with this eccentric, gray-haired gentleman in his antique store in Washingtonville, New York, when I should have been scouting for stories and photos for the newspaper. It wasn't every day and not that often.

That was my first professional (paid) journalistic gig. I was hired to start the first of three weekly community supplements to the daily newspaper. It was just me at the start; later on, I was allowed to hire four reporters. On my first day, I was given a reporter's notepad, a pen, a camera, and a map. I was told to come back in two weeks with enough stuff to fill 24 pages. My first story was an interview with the wife of my father's dear friend and fraternity brother. She was involved with a literacy council at the local library.

I lived at their home for many months, the home where my family and I would often visit when I was a kid in the 1960s and 1970s. I soon got my own apartment, but I still feel bad for staying there a little longer than I should have. Staying there provided me with comfort during an incredibly stressful time of my life, so it was difficult for me to leave. I once again give massive thanks.

The Newburgh News eventually went bankrupt and closed permanently after I had left the publication. Strong competition from The Middletown Record and lesser competition from the Poughkeepsie Journal were just too much to fight against.

from husband Bill, April 9, 2026

Long ago, I thought about changing my name to:

1. Guntram Hans Mathies: first names of two of my favorite Austrian cousins, plus the maiden name of my paternal grandmother

2. Dhanteras Dasa: the name of the third day (main day) of the Hindu holiday Diwali (five-day-long "Festival of Lights"), plus "Dasa," which means "servant of God"

I have used the name Bhakta Bill Dasa, which is my representative name to show that I have a strong interest in my religion (Gaudiya Vaishnavism/Hare Krishna; Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism) without actually becoming a monk, which would require me to legally change my name, which I don't want to do.

from husband Bill, April 9, 2026

I think that I have eaten a Chinese almond cookie, but it was long ago.

from husband Bill, April 9, 2026

The unicorn is the official national animal of Scotland.

from husband Bill, April 9, 2026

Embrace the panic. LOL

from husband Bill, April 9, 2026